WWW.COUSTEAU.ORG CUSTODIANS OF THE SEA SINCE 1943 TO KNOW IF YOU ENCOUNTER WHALE SHARKS TO KNOW IF YOU ENCOUNTER WHALE SHARKS JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a type of carpet shark and the WHALE SHARK GATHERING PERIOD largest known fish species alive today, with a lifespan of about 70 years. Whale sharks are found in tropical and temperate oceans, and they feed on plankton. Seasonal feeding aggregations occur at several sites in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, particularly in Djibouti. Indeed, Djibouti is a world famous place for the observation of whale sharks, especially in the Gulf of Tadjourah and in Ghoubet-al-Kharab, where every year you can witness a spectacular grouping of these majestic fish that come to feed and reproduce. Whale sharks are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and fishing. To promote their protection, it is important to protect their environment and to limit disturbances that may cause stress or affect their natural behavior (underwater discovery without a qualified guide, noise disturbances and injuries due to passing ships, etc.). Whether you are swimming with these huge graceful fish or just going around safely, following these Tadjourah guidelines will help you make sure Gulf that your behavior is safe for you, the environment and the animals you are hoping to see. DJIBOUTI Lake Ghoubet- al-Kharab 50 km TO KNOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE NAVIGATING IF YOU WATCH WHALE SHARKS BY SHIP BY SHIP Every year, a spectacular gathering of whale sharks takes place in the Gulf of 1 • A contact zone of 250 m Tadjourah and in Ghoubet-al-Kharab. Indeed, these animals come to feed in around the whale shark must be large numbers in this area from mid-October to February, because it is respected. Only one ship at a time ! during this period that the waters contain the most plankton. Whale can occupy the contact zone. Other sharks also go there to breed and take advantage of the high concentration of vessels will have to circumvent this food to raise their young. That is why it is imperative to adopt safety measures 250 m zone around the whale to protect whale sharks during this crucial period of their life cycle. The shark. following recommendations apply to all vessels to reduce the risk of accidental collision. 2 • Do not exceed 8 knots (14.6 km / h) when entering the < 30 m contact zone and do not exceed 2 1 • Be alert and watch the surface. knots (3.6 km / h) in the 50 m The large size of the whale shark and 8 knots zone around the whale shark. < the fact that it feeds close to the surface increases the risk of a 5 3 • Keep a minimum distance of 0 collision with a ship; this can cause m serious injury to both the animal and 30 m between the boat and the • the passengers. whale shark. < 2 k It is therefore essential to carefully < nots observe the surface of the water to 2 try to locate them and, if necessary, 50 m to avoid them. • < 8 k nots ! 6 • Hoist a flag Indicating that you have people on the water watching for whale sharks if this is the case. 2 • Do not exceed 12 knots. It is important to adopt a reduced 4 • The shark should be speed to be able to spot whale approached from the front or sharks and avoid them. the sides whenever possible. 3 • If you spot a whale shark: reduce your speed to 8 knots and go around it by leaving a 250m 30’ safety distance between it and the ship. 5 • The duration of observation should not exceed 30 minutes if other boats are waiting to observe the whale shark. TO KNOW IF YOU WATCH WHALE SHARKS WHILE SNORKELING 5 • If you are close to a group of Be sure to be accompanied by a professional guide for your whale shark trip. feeding whale sharks, stay still Snorkeling is more than enough to observe these animals that will essentially be and let the animal move around on the surface when you encounter them. you. Whale sharks can be curious animals and could approach you. If this happens, do not move and watch! 4 m ! 3 m 8 • If you use your camera, be aware that whale sharks can be disturbed if the lens is turned directly towards them. Turn off your flash. 1 • Listen carefully to the 3 •To approach a whale shark, briefing that precedes the you must arrive from the side. excursion. Trained guides will be Never swim in the path of a whale 6 • Do not feed whale sharks or familiar with site conditions and shark. Do not approach them within throw objects into the water to the behavior of whale sharks. 3 m of the head or 4 m of the tail. try to get their attention. Whale sharks feed exclusively on plankton and are not interested in our food. ! 9 • Never go on excursions with more than 8 people around a whale shark. 2 • Enter and get out of the 4 • Never touch a whale shark water quietly. Splashing and noisy or try to climb on its back. Never 7 • Do not wear or use motorized entrances can scare away whale hunt or harass whale sharks or try or mechanical devices that produce sharks. Swim slowly with smooth to keep them in a shoal. noises and may disturb whale sharks movements. Be aware of other (eg, submarine scooters, jet skis, surrounding species that may be electronic shark removal devices). fragile and/or dangerous. TO DO AFTER YOUR ENCOUNTER WITH WHALE SHARKS 1 • Ambassador: Be a Whale Shark Ambassador and talk about these graceful and intelligent fish with your friends and family and remember the importance of protecting them for the entire marine ecosystem. 2 • Tourism: Do not buy souvenirs from the sea, such as shark teeth, shells, corals or other souvenirs made from marine organisms. 3 • Bad Behaviour: If you see people with bad behavior around whale sharks, report it to your tour guide, competent authorities or the Cousteau Team. 4 • Reports: Participate in the conservation of whale sharks by sharing your observations and sharing photos of your encounter. You can also report any disrespectful or illegal activity that you may witness, including the location, date, and details of the problem. Positive and negative observations are welcome and will help research and conservation. Below please find links where you can upload photos and information about your encounter: • Whale Shark (only whale sharks) : https://www.whaleshark.org/ • Cousteau Divers (all species) : http://www.cousteaudivers.org/ Feel free to send us your suggestions for improving our guidelines at: [email protected] WWW.COUSTEAU.ORG CUSTODIANS OF THE SEA SINCE 1943.